Aichryson tortuosum aka Gouty Houseleek

Aichryson tortuosum, or gouty houseleek, is a small perennial succulent shrub. It belongs to the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. Its home lies in the eastern Canary Islands of Spain. It grows on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, in their dry regions. Wild plants root in cracks on steep volcanic cliffs. They also grow along shaded ridges that face north. These sites face strong winds in a subtropical climate.

Plants reach about 0.33–0.49 feet [0.10–0.15 metres] tall. Some reach 0.66 feet [0.20 metres]. Dense, twisted branches give the plant its compact form. The woody branches spread apart at wide angles. Young stems bear hairs, while lower sections may become bare. Fleshy leaves crowd together in tight rosettes at the tips. Their dark green colour can take on purple-red or brown tones. Each rounded leaf widens above its middle and lacks a stalk. Fine glandular hairs coat the leaves and release sticky material. This coating has a resin-like scent.

Short shoots carry loose clusters with just a few flowers. The blooms are deep yellow, with seven or eight petals. Each petal narrows to a sharp point and bends back at the tip. Fine hairs can fringe the petal edges. Glandular hairs also cover the sepals below the petals. The plant makes seeds so small that they resemble dust. Its form varies, and plants without hybrid ancestry are scarce in cultivation.

This species grows during winter and rests during summer. It may look worn during that rest, then recover in autumn. Even then, it should not stay dry for long periods. Use a gritty potting mix that lets water drain freely. Plants can grow in shade, but sun brings out stronger colour. They also suit indoor growing. Their small size and close-packed rosettes give them value as ornamental plants.

Brief cold spells near 28°F [−2°C] may not kill it. Severe frost calls for protection, however. Outside the mildest gardens, keep it under glass through winter. Cuttings offer a simple way to raise more plants. Take a rosette with a short piece of stem and plant it. The stated cutting season runs from April through July.